While some new venues try to push the envelope in every which way possible, Red Steakhouse & Bar at Sanctuary Cove has gone the opposite way to bring back some more traditional elements when it comes to its varied menu and old-fashioned service under the stewardship of restaurant manager Nicole Potzschmann. Head chef Luke Reeves has compiled an extensive selection that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences – whether it’s champagne and oysters or something a little heartier. Pick at a plate of tender fried calamari or pan-roasted scallops before moving on to the main affair, which includes wagyu wellington, handmade linguine tossed with local trawler prawns and pillowy gnocchi with forest mushroom, winter veg, cavolo nero and pecorino. True to its name, steak is undoubtedly the hero here with its range categorised by cut, marble score and grass fed versus grain fed. There are also a couple of lesser-known cuts including bavette and rostbiff for those who are looking to venture beyond their classic rib eye. Meat-free mates aren’t forgotten, with the restaurant offering an entirely separate menu of vegetarian and vegan options.
Red Steakhouse & Bar makes the most of its exceptional waterfront location with expansive open windows that allow the sea air to filter through, creating the ideal backdrop to linger a little longer. Running along the opposite wall is a custom-built 11-m bar that showcases the venue’s seriously impressive wine selection, which features more than 100 different wines from small Australian and international family growers, personally curated by Darren Davis from Davis & White Fine Wine Merchants. For those who aren’t keen to commit to a whole bottle, Red’s state-of-the-art Enomatic wine-dispensing system means that there are some seriously top-notch drops available by the glass, including Australian heavy hitters such as Torbreck’s Run Rig shiraz viognier and a 1993 Penfolds Grange. There’s also a mighty tempting array of cocktails with an entire section dedicated to martinis – French martini, anyone?
Ready for sundowners and succulent steaks? Skip over to our Stumble Guide for opening times.